This article contains spoilers for Bridgerton season 3.
Summary
I loveBridgerton,but since its very first season, the period drama has kept up one specific trend that I absolutely hate. Since 2020,Bridgertonhas entertained me with its gorgeous costumes, talented actors, and immense drama. Every season, I am more excited to see what Netflix and Shondaland have cooked up. Watching my favorite characters get their moment in the spotlight and fall in love is incredibly satisfying. However,Bridgertondoesn’t always hit the mark. In fact, the series has one problem that I believe is its biggest weakness of all.
Bridgerton’swriters are romance experts, but they cannever seem to give theirBridgertoncouples good stories once their season is over. Take Daphne, for example. The eldest Bridgerton daughter faded into the background ofBridgertonseason 2. She sometimes appeared to provide wise sisterly advice, but beyond that, she lacked a strong storyline. A similar issue occurred in season 3 with Anthony and Kate. Though the two hit big relationship milestones, they were away on their honeymoon or in India for the majority of the season. Luckily, I thinkBridgertonseason 4has a chance to finally make a change.
Every New Story Set Up By Bridgerton Season 3
The end of Bridgerton season 3 may have given Colin and Penelope their happy ending, but the final episode also introduced several future storylines.
Bridgerton Season 4 Will Not Sideline The Main Characters Of Season 3
How Penelope Will Stay Relevant
AlthoughBridgertonhas a history of casting off its main characters once their season is through, it seems to me thatBridgertonseason 4 will finally turn the tide. The storylines set up at theend ofBridgertonseason 3hint that certain characters cannot be shoved into the background. For one,Penelope must stay relevant beyond season 3because of her role as Lady Whistledown. InBridgertonseason 3’s final episode, Penelope pledges to use Lady Whistledown in a more positive way. I have to assume this promise will be made true in futureBridgertonseasons.
How Francesca Will Stay Relevant
AnotherBridgertonseason 3 character that I want to stay in the spotlight is Francesca. This season, Francesca proved herself to be one of the most interestingBridgerton family members, and honestly, I need more of her. Fortunately, the end of season 3 gave her a huge upcoming plot line. Next season, Francesca will go to Scotland alongside John, Michaela, and Eloise. Presumably, this will set off her romantic plot as written in Julia Quinn’s book,When He Was Wicked.However, whether season 4 is Francesca’s season or not,I am desperate to see Francesca continue playing a significant role.
Eloise’s Move To Scotland Ensures Francesca Can’t Be Pushed Out
Two Bridgertons Are More Important Than One
There is another reason why I believe Francesca can’t be sidelined inBridgertonseason 4. By having Eloise go to Scotland as well, Francesca gets to remain in theBridgertonloop. If Francesca simply went to Scotland with John and Michaela, the show easily could have lost sight of her, just as it did when she was staying with the Bridgertons' aunt in season 1. However, withtwo Bridgertons in Scotland, there is a much higher chance that the show will follow their plotlinemore closely. Francesca’s move to Scotland makes her story more interesting and important.
It would be unwise forBridgertonto force both Francesca and Eloise into becoming background characters.
Furthermore, it would be unwise forBridgertonto force both Francesca and Eloise into becoming background characters. While Francesca has become one of my new favoriteBridgertoncharacters, Eloise has been one of the best for a very long time. I am always eager to see what Eloise is up to, and her story will get even better now that she is motivated by social justice again. Ultimately, I thinkEloise’s trip to Scotland is a way forBridgertonto make the Scotland storyline even granderas will be following both Francesca and Eloise’s exciting storylines.
Why Bridgerton’s Main Couples Have Disappeared
They Have Nothing To Do
To be fair, I thinkBridgerton’smain character problem is an understandable one. Once the season is over, the happily married couples have little left to offer the series. With their stories tied up in a perfect bow, there is no reason to add more drama to their lives. In fact, I think giving them a big story could distract from the new couple. However, it is still a frustrating scenario thatBridgertoncontinues to repeat.Bridgertonneeds to figure out how to include its established couplesin a way that is cute and interestingwithout taking focus away from the single characters trying to find love.
At this point, Anthony and Kate in season 3 were a step up from Daphne in season 2, butBridgertonstill has a long way to gobefore it perfects this issue. I hope the series can continue experimenting with its main characters to find a good role for them to play. I also have my fingers crossed that moreBridgertoncast members stick around once their romances are fulfilled. Overall, I am optimistic thatBridgertonseason 4 can be one of the first seasons to utilize its previous main characters in an intriguing way.
The Duke and I
On the Way to the Wedding
Bridgerton
Cast
Bridgerton, released on June 22, 2025, is set in Regency-era England and follows the lives of the influential Bridgerton family. The series explores themes of wealth, lust, and betrayal, portraying societal dynamics through a blend of romance and intrigue.
